Campbell lacks passion and knowledge, say All Blacks

With the series won, the All Blacks turned their sights on the way the Lions used their spin-doctor Alastair Campbell.

They were hyper-critical about the way the tourists had perpetuated the criticism of Tana Umaga in the first test incident which dislocated rival Brian O'Driscoll's shoulder.

"He [Umaga] has put up with a lot of rubbish in the week from a person [Campbell] who doesn't know the game, hasn't got any passion for the game and that is disappointing," All Black coach Graham Henry said.

Assistant coach Steve Hansen reluctantly chipped in yesterday when asked about Sir Clive Woodward's contribution to this Lions trip.

"I guess Clive is gonna be remembered as the coach who lost the Lions series after telling everyone it was going to be the best-prepared side," said Hansen.

In many ways, the All Blacks thought the Lions had been well set for the series.

"But I think he has got it wrong in the way he used Alastair Campbell. I think he would have been far better off just leaving him at home."

Hansen then cuttingly thanked the Lions for fuelling the All Blacks' determination to settle the series on Saturday.

"Mr Campbell and Mr Woodward drove us together too with what they did to Tana. But the game has lanced the abscess, all the pus has come out and afterwards everyone was fine.

"Again the guy [Woodward] has done what he thought was right and I think anytime as a coach you look in the mirror and say to yourself, 'I have done what I think was right', you know you can't knock that person."

Hansen cautioned people to recall Woodward's triumph with England at the last World Cup and said he did not become a bad coach because of results after that. He would be very disappointed. The Lions had played with great passion but in the wash-up they came up short because of a shortage of skill.

The clear message was that the Welsh style which won the Grand Slam had to be pursued.